NCBA has launched recruitment for its 2026 China Market Linkage & Business Exposure Programme, expanding the initiative for the first time to Commercial and SME Banking customers in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.
The programme aims to connect East African entrepreneurs with China’s vast manufacturing and trading ecosystem, providing businesses with opportunities to source products, strengthen supply chains, explore new markets, and establish international partnerships.
Building on the success of the inaugural programme, which attracted 100 participants in 2025, this year’s edition is expected to host more than 100 entrepreneurs. Participants will travel to Beijing and Guangzhou from October 13 to 24, 2026, for a 12-day business immersion experience.
Supporting business growth beyond financing
The programme forms part of NCBA’s Commercial and SME Banking Customer Value Proposition, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to supporting businesses beyond traditional banking services.
Participants will gain first-hand exposure to international trade by visiting advanced manufacturing facilities, industrial parks, and wholesale markets. They will also attend the globally recognised Canton Fair in Guangzhou and participate in business networking sessions with manufacturers, suppliers, and logistics experts.
Factory visits and sourcing engagements will be tailored to participants’ industries and business needs to ensure maximum commercial value. China remains East Africa’s biggest trading partner. The initiative comes as trade between East Africa and China continues to grow steadily.
According to the East African Community (EAC), China remained the region’s largest trading partner in 2025, with exports to China reaching USD 24 billion, while imports totalled USD 20.3 billion.
In Kenya, imports from China increased by 16.5 per cent to KES 671.25 billion in 2025, accounting for nearly a quarter of the country’s total import bill. The figures highlight China’s growing importance as a manufacturing, sourcing, and innovation hub for East African businesses.
NCBA says businesses must think globally
NCBA Group Director for Retail Banking, Dennis Njau, said businesses must expand beyond domestic markets to remain competitive.
He noted that access to reliable suppliers, international markets, and strategic partnerships is increasingly becoming a key driver of sustainable business growth.
Njau said the China Market Linkage Programme aligns with the bank’s purpose of “Banking on Belief, Empowering Ambitions” by equipping entrepreneurs with financing, market access, business networks and practical knowledge needed to scale their enterprises.
Comprehensive banking support for participants
Besides international exposure, participants will also access NCBA’s business banking solutions, including Trade Finance, Foreign Exchange, Treasury services, and Business Trip Financing.
The bank said these solutions are designed to help entrepreneurs take advantage of opportunities identified during the programme and facilitate cross-border trade.
Programme open to multiple sectors
The programme targets Commercial and SME businesses operating across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, construction, hospitality, wholesale and retail, electronics, furniture, textiles, and consumer goods.
Businesses seeking new suppliers, innovative products, or stronger international supply chains are encouraged to participate.
Registration is currently open through NCBA Relationship Managers and Branch Managers. Interested participants are required to pay a non-refundable 50 per cent deposit to secure their slots, with applications closing on August 7, 2026, subject to availability.
NCBA said the programme underscores its commitment to empowering East African entrepreneurs by helping them access global markets, build resilient supply chains, and unlock sustainable long-term business growth.
